Posterior atlantoaxial dislocation without odontoid fracture

Skeletal Radiol. 2008 Apr;37(4):361-6. doi: 10.1007/s00256-007-0439-7. Epub 2008 Feb 8.

Abstract

We report a case of posterior atlantoaxial dislocation without a fracture of the odontoid in a 35-year-old woman. There have been nine reported cases of similar injury in the English literature. The integrity of the transverse ligament following posterior atlantoaxial dislocations has not been well documented in these reports. In the present case, MRI revealed an intact transverse ligament, which probably contributed to the stability of the C1-C2 complex following closed reduction.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Accidental Falls
  • Adult
  • Atlanto-Axial Joint / injuries*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Joint Dislocations / diagnosis*
  • Joint Dislocations / etiology
  • Joint Dislocations / therapy
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Odontoid Process / injuries
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed
  • Traction